Glass composition for covering electrodes and glass paste containing the same

ABSTRACT

A glass composition for covering electrodes of the present invention contains: 0 to 15 wt % SiO 2 ; 10 to 50 wt % B 2 O 3 ; 15 to 50 wt % ZnO; 0 to 10 wt % Al 2 O 3 ; 2 to 40 wt % Bi 2 O 3 ; 0 to 5 wt % MgO; 5 to 38 wt % CaO+SrO+BaO; 0 to 0.1 wt % Li 2 O+Na 2 O+K 2 O; 0 to 4 wt % MoO 3 ; and 0 to 4 wt % WO 3 , and the total of the contents of MoO 3  and WO 3  is in the range of 0.1 to 8 wt %. The glass composition for covering electrodes of the present invention may contain: 0 to 2 wt % SiO 2 ; 10 to 50 wt % B 2 O 3 ; 15 to 50 wt % ZnO; 0 to 10 wt % Al 2 O 3 ; 2 to 40 wt % Bi 2 O 3 ; 0 to 5 wt % MgO; 5 to 38 wt % CaO+SrO+BaO; 0 to 4 wt % MoO 3 ; and 0 to 4 wt % WO 3 , and the total of the contents of MoO 3  and WO 3  may be in the range of 0.1 to 8 wt %.

This application is a continuation of prior pending International Application Number PCT/JP2006/307151, filed on Apr. 4, 2006, which designated the United States.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a glass composition that is used for covering electrodes and a glass paste containing the same.

2. Related Background Art

Recently, flat panel displays, such as plasma display panels (hereinafter also referred to as “PDPs”), FEDS, and liquid crystal displays, have been gaining attention as displays that can achieve reductions in thickness and weight.

These flat panel displays each are provided with a front panel and a back panel, each of which includes a glass substrate and components disposed thereon. The front panel and the back panel are arranged to oppose each other and the peripheries thereof are sealed.

As described above, a PDP has a configuration in which the front panel and the back panel are arranged to oppose each other and the peripheries thereof are sealed with sealing glass. The front panel includes a front glass substrate. It also includes stripe-like display electrodes that are formed on the surface thereof, as well as a dielectric layer and a protective layer that further are formed thereon. The back panel includes: a back glass substrate; stripe-like address electrodes that are formed on the surface thereof; a dielectric layer that further is formed thereon; barrier ribs that are formed between adjacent address electrodes; and phosphor layers, each of which is formed between adjacent barrier ribs.

The front panel and the back panel are arranged so as to oppose each other and to allow the electrodes thereof to be orthogonal to each other. In this state, their peripheries are sealed. The sealed spaces that are formed inside are filled with a discharge gas.

Two display electrodes compose a pair. The region defined by such a pair of display electrodes and one address electrode that cross each other three-dimensionally, with a discharge space being interposed therebetween, serves as a cell that contributes to an image display.

Hereafter, the dielectric layer of the PDP is described in detail. The dielectric layer of the PDP is required to have the following: higher insulation to allow it to be formed on electrodes; a lower dielectric constant to achieve lower power consumption; and a thermal expansion coefficient that matches that of the glass substrate so that neither peeling nor cracks occur. Furthermore, in order to use the light emitted from phosphors as display light efficiently, the dielectric layer to be formed on the front glass substrate usually is required to be amorphous glass having high visible light transmissivity.

The dielectric layer is formed by applying a glass paste onto a glass substrate by, for example, screen printing and then drying and baking it. The glass paste usually contains glass powder, resin, and a solvent and also may contain an inorganic filler and an inorganic pigment in some cases. On the other hand, from the viewpoints of the price, availability, etc., generally soda lime glass produced by a float process is used as the glass substrate to be used for the PDP. Accordingly, the glass paste is baked at a temperature of 600° C. or lower that causes no deformation of the glass substrate.

Since the dielectric layer that is used for a PDP has to be baked at a temperature that causes no deformation of the glass substrate, it is necessary to form it with glass having a relatively low melting point. Hence, PbO—SiO₂-based glass whose main raw material is PbO is used mainly at present.

Such a dielectric layer of the PDP is formed by baking a glass paste containing resin and a solvent. Accordingly, the dielectric layer may be colored by carbon-containing impurities that remain therein, which may cause a deterioration in luminance. For the purpose of preventing such a deterioration in luminance, glass for covering transparent electrodes has been proposed that is obtained by adding MoO₃ or Sb₂O₃ to glass containing PbO (for instance, see JP2001-151532A).

Furthermore, with considerations given to environmental problems, a dielectric layer that is free from lead has been developed. For example, a dielectric layer produced using Bi₂O₃—B₂O₃—ZnO—R₂O-based glass (R: Li, Na, K) has been proposed (for instance, see JP2001-139345A). Moreover, when glass containing an alkali metal oxide is used, in order to reduce the pinholes that are produced by baking the glass on aluminum electrodes, glass that contains CuO, CoO, MoO₃, or NiO added thereto has been proposed (for instance, see JP2002-362941A).

As described above, the dielectric layers produced using glass that is free from lead have been proposed conventionally. In such cases, however, the dielectric layer or front glass substrate may yellow due to the alkali metal oxide or bismuth oxide that is used instead of lead to obtain a lower softening point. Conceivably, the mechanism that causes this yellowing is as follows.

Ag or Cu is used for the display electrodes to be provided on the front glass substrate and the address electrodes to be provided on the back glass substrate. The Ag or Cu may ionize and then may dissolve and diffuse in the dielectric layer and glass substrate during the baking that is carried out in forming the dielectric layer. The diffused Ag ions or Cu ions tend to be reduced by alkali metal ions or bismuth oxides that are contained in the dielectric layer or Sn ions (bivalence) contained in the front glass substrate. In that case, they will colloidize. When Ag or Cu has colloidized as described above, the dielectric layer and front glass substrate are colored yellow or brown, i.e. so-called yellowing occurs (for instance, J. E. SHELBY and J. VITKO. Jr Journal of Non-Crystalline Solids vol. 50 (1982) 107-117). Since such yellowed glass absorbs light with a wavelength of 400 nm, a PDP produced using the glass has a deteriorated blue luminance or deteriorated chromaticity. Hence, yellowing is a problem especially in the front panel. Furthermore, since Ag and Cu colloids have conductivity, they lower the withstand voltage of the dielectric layer. In addition, since Ag and Cu colloids deposit as colloidal particles that are far larger than ions, they reflect the light that passes through the dielectric layer and thereby cause the deterioration in luminance of the PDP.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is intended to provide a glass composition for covering electrodes that is used for producing a highly reliable flat panel display that is provided with a dielectric layer having high withstand voltage and that prevents not only the dielectric layer and glass substrate from yellowing but also dielectric breakdown from occurring. The present invention also is intended to provide a glass paste containing the same.

A first glass composition for covering electrodes of the present invention contains:

-   0 to 15 wt % SiO₂; -   10 to 50 wt % B₂O₃; -   15 to 50 wt % ZnO; -   0 to 10 wt % Al₂O₃; -   2 to 40 wt % Bi₂O₃; -   0 to 5 wt % MgO; -   5 to 38 wt % CaO+SrO+BaO; -   0 to 0.1 wt % Li₂O+Na₂O+K₂O; -   0 to 4 wt % MoO₃; and -   0 to 4 wt % WO₃, and -   the total of the contents of MoO₃ and WO₃ is in the range of 0.1 to     8 wt %.

The first glass composition for covering electrodes of the present invention contains at least one selected from MoO₃ and WO₃. Accordingly, when a dielectric layer that covers electrodes is formed using this first glass composition for covering electrodes, even if Ag or Cu that commonly is used as an electrode material ionizes and then disperses in the dielectric layer, it produces a stable compound together with MoO₃ or WO₃, which prevents Ag or Cu from aggregating and colloidizing. This prevents the dielectric layer from yellowing due to the colloidization of Ag or Cu. Similarly, when the electrodes are formed on a glass substrate, Ag or Cu that has dispersed in the glass substrate produces a stable compound together with MoO₃ or WO₃. Accordingly, the glass substrate also can be prevented from yellowing due to the colloidization of Ag or Cu. Furthermore, the first glass composition for covering electrodes of the present invention can prevent the occurrence of not only yellowing but also other harmful effects that accompany the production of Ag or Cu colloids, for example, a decrease in withstand voltage of the dielectric layer and a deterioration in the luminance of the PDP.

Moreover, the first glass composition for covering electrodes of the present invention contains Bi₂O₃ as a component that allows a lower melting point to be obtained. Accordingly, the first glass composition for covering electrodes does not need to contain lead (PbO) and therefore makes it possible to form a dielectric layer that is substantially free from lead. In the present specification, the expression, “substantially free” denotes that a trace amount of the component concerned that does not affect the characteristics is allowed to be contained, specifically, the content thereof is 0.1 wt % or less, preferably 0.05 wt % or less. Hence, in the first glass composition for covering electrodes of the present invention, the content of lead can be 0.1 wt % or less, preferably 0.05 wt % or less.

A second glass composition for covering electrodes of the present invention contains:

-   0 to 2 wt % SiO₂; -   10 to 50 wt % B₂O₃; -   15 to 50 wt % ZnO; -   0 to 10 wt % Al₂O₃; -   2 to 40 wt % Bi₂O₃; -   0 to 5 wt % MgO; -   5 to 38 wt % CaO+SrO+BaO; -   0 to 4 wt % MoO₃; and -   0 to 4 wt % WO₃, and -   the total of the contents of MoO₃ and WO₃ is in the range of 0.1 to     8 wt %.     This second glass composition for covering electrodes further may     contain at least one selected from the group consisting of Li₂O,     Na₂O, and K₂O. In this case, the total of the contents of Li₂O,     Na₂O, and K₂O is 0.1 to 10 wt %, for example.

The second glass composition for covering electrodes of the present invention contains at least one selected from MoO₃ and WO₃. Accordingly, like the case of the first glass composition for covering electrodes of the present invention, when the second glass composition for covering electrodes is used to form the dielectric layer that covers electrodes of the PDP, the dielectric layer and the glass substrate can be prevented from yellowing and it also is possible to prevent the decrease in withstand voltage of the dielectric layer and the deterioration in luminance of the PDP. The second glass composition for covering electrodes of the present invention contains Bi₂O₃ and an alkali metal oxide (at least one selected from Li₂O, Na₂O, and K₂O), as components that allow a lower melting point to be obtained. Accordingly, the second glass composition for covering electrodes does not need to contain lead (PbO) and therefore makes it possible to form a dielectric layer that is substantially free from lead. Hence, like the case of the first glass composition for covering electrodes, the content of lead can be 0.1 wt % or less, preferably 0.05 wt % or less.

A glass paste of the present invention includes: a first glass composition for covering electrodes or a second glass composition for covering electrodes according to the present invention described above; a binder resin; and a solvent. When used to form a dielectric layer that covers electrodes of a PDP, the glass paste of the present invention allows the dielectric layer and the glass substrate to be prevented from yellowing and further makes it possible to prevent not only the withstand voltage of the dielectric layer from decreasing but also the luminance of the PDP from deteriorating.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the PDP according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing another example of the PDP according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a partially cutaway, perspective view showing the configuration of the PDP shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a graph showing the relationship between the content of MoO₃ or WO₃ and the b* value.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention are described. The following description is directed to examples of the present invention and therefore the present invention is not limited thereby.

<PDP>

FIG. 3 is a partially cutaway, perspective view showing the main configuration of the PDP according to the present embodiment. FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of the PDP shown in FIG. 3.

This PDP is of an AC surface discharge type. This PDP has the same configuration as that of a conventional PDP except that a dielectric layer covering electrodes is formed of a glass composition (a glass composition for covering electrodes) to be described later.

This PDP is configured with a front panel 1 and a back panel 8 bonded to each other. The front panel 1 is provided with a front glass substrate 2, stripe-like display electrodes 5, a dielectric layer 6 that covers the display electrodes 5, and a dielectric-protecting layer 7 formed of magnesium oxide. Each of the display electrodes 5 is formed of a bus electrode 4 and a transparent conductive film 3 formed on the inner surface (the surface that is located on the side of discharge spaces 14) of the front glass substrate 2. The glass composition for covering electrodes to be described later is used for the dielectric layer 6.

The back panel 8 is configured with a back glass substrate 9, stripe-like address electrodes 10, a dielectric layer 11 that covers the address electrodes 10, belt-like barrier ribs 12, and phosphor layers 13, each of which is formed between barrier ribs 12 that are adjacent to each other. Each of the address electrodes 10 is formed on the inner surface (the surface that is located on the side of the discharge spaces 14) of the back glass substrate 9. Each of the barrier ribs 12 is provided on the dielectric layer 11 and is arranged between adjacent address electrodes 10. The barrier ribs 12 separate the respective address electrodes 10 from each other and thereby form the discharge spaces 14. In order to allow a color display to be performed, the phosphor layers 13 include a red phosphor layer 13(R), a green phosphor layer 13(G), and a blue phosphor layer 13(B) that are arranged sequentially, with the barrier ribs 12 being interposed therebetween.

Materials such as those described below can be used for phosphors that form the phosphor layers 13, for example. Blue Phosphors: BaMgAl₁₀O₁₇:Eu Green Phosphors: Zn₂SiO₄:Mn Red Phosphors: Y₂O₃:Eu

The front panel 1 and the back panel 8 are arranged so that the respective display electrodes 5 and the respective address electrodes 10 are orthogonal to each other in the longitudinal direction thereof and the display electrodes 5 and the address electrodes 10 oppose each other. The front panel 1 and the back panel 8 are joined to each other using a sealing member (not shown).

The discharge spaces 14 are filled with a discharge gas (a filler gas) that consists of rare gas components such as He, Xe, Ne, etc., under a pressure of approximately 53.3 to 79.8 kPa (400 to 600 Torr). Each of electrodes 5 is formed with the bus electrode 4 formed of a Ag film or a layered film of Cr/Cu/Cr being stacked on the transparent conductive film 3 formed of ITO (indium tin oxide) or tin oxide in order to obtain good conductivity.

The display electrodes 5 and the address electrodes 10 each are connected to an external drive circuit (not shown). The voltage that is applied from the drive circuit allows electric discharge to occur in the discharge spaces 14. Ultraviolet rays with a short wavelength (a wavelength of 147 nm) that are generated due to the electric discharge excite the phosphors that are contained in the phosphor layers 13 and thereby visible light is emitted.

The dielectric layer 6 can be formed by applying and baking a glass paste containing a glass composition (a glass composition for covering electrodes).

More specifically, for example, a glass paste is applied by a screen method or with a bar coater, a roll coater, a die coater, a doctor blade, etc. and then is baked, which is a typical method. However, the method is not limited thereto. For example, the dielectric layer 6 also can be formed by a method of sticking and baking a sheet containing the glass composition for covering electrodes according to the present embodiment.

Preferably, the dielectric layer 6 has a thickness of 50 μm or less so as to allow optical transparency to be obtained while having a thickness of at least 1 μm so as to allow insulation to be obtained. It is preferable that the thickness of the dielectric layer 6 be 3 μm to 50 μm, for example.

Although the details of the glass composition that is contained in the dielectric layer 6 are described later, the dielectric layer 6 contains at least one selected from MoO₃ and WO₃ in this embodiment. Hence, even if metal (for example, Ag or Cu) contained in the bus electrode 4 ionizes and disperses in the dielectric layer 6, it is prevented from forming metal colloids. Accordingly, the dielectric layer 6 is prevented from coloring (yellowing) and having a decreased withstand voltage.

Furthermore, the problem of yellowing tends to arise particularly prominently when using a glass composition that contains an alkali metal oxide as an alternative component to lead since the glass composition to be used is substantially free from lead. In this embodiment, however, since the dielectric layer 6 is formed of the glass composition that contains at least one selected from MoO₃ and WO₃, yellowing can be prevented from occurring. Hence, according to this embodiment, the dielectric layer 6 can be obtained that is free from lead and is prevented from yellowing.

Moreover, when the dielectric layer 6 is formed using the glass composition that contains at least one selected from MoO₃ and WO₃ as described above, the front glass substrate 2 also can be prevented from yellowing. Generally, the glass substrate to be used for a PDP is produced by the float process. The glass substrate produced by the float process contains Sn mixed into the surface thereof. This Sn can cause the reduction of Ag ions and Cu ions that produce Ag and Cu colloids. Conventionally, it therefore was necessary to remove Sn by polishing the surface of the glass substrate produced by the float process. On the other hand, in this embodiment, since at least one selected from MoO₃ and WO₃ that are contained in the dielectric layer 6 prevents Ag and Cu from colloidizing, the glass substrate can be used even if Sn remains in the surface thereof. Thus, it is no longer necessary to polish the glass substrate. This allows the number of production processes to be reduced. The content of Sn that is contained (is remaining) in the glass substrate is 0.001 to 5 wt %, for example.

Next, an example of the PDP is described in which a dielectric layer that covers display electrodes 5 has a two-layer structure as shown in FIG. 2.

The PDP shown in FIG. 2 has the same configuration as that of the PDP shown in FIGS. 1 and 3 except that a first dielectric layer 15 that covers the display electrodes 5 and a second dielectric layer 16 disposed on the first dielectric layer 15 are provided instead of the dielectric layer 6. The members that are identical to those of the PDP shown in FIGS. 1 and 3 are indicated with the same numerals, and the descriptions thereof are not repeated.

As shown in FIG. 2, the first dielectric layer 15 and the second dielectric layer 16 are arranged so that the first dielectric layer 15 covers the transparent conductive films 3 and the bus electrodes 4 while the second dielectric layer 16 covers the first dielectric layer 15.

When the dielectric layer has the two-layer structure as described above, at least the first dielectric layer 15 is formed of a glass composition in which at least one selected from MoO₃ and WO₃ is contained and the total of the contents thereof is 0.1 to 8 wt %, as in the case of the dielectric layer 6 of the PDP shown in FIGS. 1 and 3. This can prevent at least the first dielectric layer 15 from yellowing and from having a decreased withstand voltage due to deposition of Ag or Cu colloids. Furthermore, the first dielectric layer 15 prevents Ag or Cu ions from diffusing. Hence, even if the second dielectric layer 16 contains a glass composition that tends to cause yellowing, the second dielectric layer 16 can be prevented from discoloring (yellowing) or from having a decreased withstand voltage.

Accordingly, any glass composition that meets the specification required for the PDP can be selected to be used for the second dielectric layer 16, without having concerns about the problem of yellowing. Although the details of the glass composition that is contained in the second dielectric layer 16 are described later, when, for example, a SiO₂—B₂O₃—ZnO-based glass composition is used for the second dielectric layer 16, this SiO₂—B₂O₃—ZnO-based glass has a lower relative dielectric constant than that of lead glass and bismuth-based glass (the relative dielectric constant that is obtained at room temperature and 1 MHz generally is as follows: lead glass: 10 to 15, bismuth-based glass: 8 to 13, and SiO₂—B₂O₃—ZnO-based glass: 5 to 9). Hence, the use of the SiO₂—B₂O₃—ZnO-based glass composition for the second dielectric layer 16 allows the relative dielectric constant of the whole dielectric layer (i.e. the dielectric layer including the first dielectric layer 15 and the second dielectric layer 16) to decrease and thereby the power consumption of the PDP can be reduced.

Such a dielectric layer having a two-layer structure can be formed by forming the first dielectric layer 15 and then applying, thereon, a glass material containing a glass composition to be used for the second dielectric layer 16 and then baking it. In this case, it is preferable that the glass composition to be used for the first dielectric layer 15 have a higher softening point than that of the glass composition to be contained in the second dielectric layer.

In order to ensure the insulation and the prevention of interface reactions between the electrodes 3, 4 and the second dielectric layer 16, it is preferable that the thickness of the first dielectric layer 15 be at least 1 μm.

Preferably, the total thickness of the first dielectric layer 15 and the second dielectric layer 16 is 50 μm or less in order to prevent the loss of transmitted light but is at least 3 μm in order to ensure the insulation.

As described above, in the PDP according to the present embodiment, with the use of the above-mentioned glass composition, the dielectric layer can be substantially free from lead and it is possible to prevent not only the display properties from deteriorating but also the withstand voltage from decreasing due to the discoloration (yellowing) of the dielectric layer.

A PDP of a surface discharge type such as the one described using the present embodiment is a typical example of the PDP to which the present invention is applied. However, the PDP to which the present invention is applied is not limited thereto. The present invention also is applicable to those of an opposed discharge type.

Furthermore, the PDP to which the present invention is applied is not limited to those of the AC type. The present invention is applicable to a PDP that is provided with a dielectric layer even if it is of a DC type.

<Glass Composition for Covering Electrodes>

The present invention utilizes a glass composition for the dielectric layer that can prevent the glass substrate and dielectric layer from yellowing. Two examples (a glass composition (A) and a glass composition (B)) of the glass composition for covering electrodes to be used for the dielectric layer that covers electrodes in a PDP of the present invention are described below.

In the present embodiment, the glass composition (A) that is an example of the glass composition for covering electrodes contains:

-   0 to 15 wt % SiO₂; -   10 to 50 wt % B₂O₃; -   15 to 50 wt % ZnO; -   0 to 10 wt % Al₂O₃; -   2 to 40 wt % Bi₂O₃; -   0 to 5 wt % MgO; -   5 to 38 wt % CaO+SrO+BaO; -   0 to 0.1 wt % Li₂O+Na₂O+K₂O; -   0 to 4 wt % MoO₃; and -   0 to 4 wt % WO₃, and -   the total of the contents of MoO₃ and WO₃ is in the range of 0.1 to     8 wt %.

In the present embodiment, the glass composition (B) that is another example of the glass composition for covering electrodes contains:

-   0 to 2 wt % SiO₂; -   10 to 50 wt % B₂O₃; -   15 to 50 wt % ZnO; -   0 to 10 wt % Al₂O₃; -   2 to 40 wt % Bi₂O₃; -   0 to 5 wt % MgO; -   5 to 38 wt % CaO+SrO+BaO; -   0 to 4 wt % MoO₃; and -   0 to 4 wt % WO₃, and -   the total of the contents of MoO₃ and WO₃ is in the range of 0.1 to     8 wt %.

The glass composition (A) and glass composition (B) (hereinafter also referred to simply as a “glass composition”) described above each are a glass composition that makes it possible to obtain the characteristics required for the dielectric layer that covers electrodes. Furthermore, they each contain at least one selected from MoO₃ and WO₃ (the upper limit of the content of each component is 4 wt %) while the total of the contents of MoO₃ and WO₃ is in the range of 0.1 to 8 wt %. This makes it possible to prevent the dielectric breakdown from occurring and the dielectric layer and the glass substrate from yellowing due to the colloidization of Ag or Cu that is used for the electrodes.

For example, it has been known that when the electrodes are formed of Ag, then Ag and MoO₃ tend to produce compounds, such as Ag₂MoO₄, Ag₂Mo₂O₇, and Ag₂Mo₄O₁₃, at low temperatures, specifically 580° C. or lower. Since the temperature at which the dielectric layer is baked is 550° C. to 600° C., it is conceivable that Ag⁺ that has diffused in the dielectric layer during the baking reacts with MoO₃ contained in the dielectric layer to produce the above-mentioned compounds and thereby is stabilized. That is, since Ag⁺ is stabilized without being reduced, it is prevented from aggregating and forming colloids. Similarly, Ag and WO₃ also tend to produce compounds, such as Ag₂WO₄, Ag₂W₂O₇, and Ag₂W₄O₁₃, and thereby Ag⁺ tends to be stabilized. Accordingly, Ag is prevented from colloidizing.

In the case of using the glass composition containing at least one selected from MoO₃ and WO₃, MoO₄ ²⁻ and/or WO₄ ²⁻ are/is present in glass. Ag⁺ that has diffused from the electrodes during the baking combines with them and is stabilized. That is, it is conceivable that Ag⁺ is prevented not only from clloidizing but also from diffusing into the dielectric layer. Similarly, in the case where the electrodes are Cu, it is conceivable that Cu⁺ is prevented from diffusing.

In order to obtain the effects described above, the total of the contents of MoO₃ and WO₃ that are contained in the glass composition is at least 0.1 wt %.

Moreover, when the contents of MoO₃ and WO₃ in the glass composition increase, coloring of the glass that is caused by each of the MoO₃ and WO₃ becomes prominent. Hence, in order not to decrease the transmissivity of the dielectric layer, the contents of MoO₃ and WO₃ each are limited to 4 wt % or less. Furthermore, as compared to the case where a glass composition contains either MoO₃ or WO₃, a glass composition that contains both MoO₃ and WO₃ makes it possible to further reliably obtain the effects of preventing the loss of transmissivity and decreasing the degree of yellowing. Accordingly, it is preferable that the glass composition containing both MoO₃ and WO₃ be used. In the case of a glass composition containing both MoO₃ and WO₃, the content of each can be up to the upper limit (4 wt %) thereof. Hence, the total of the contents of MoO₃ and WO₃ is 8 wt % or less.

In the above, the description is directed to the case where MoO₃ and/or WO₃ are/is mixed into the glass composition. However, mixed powder may be used that contains MoO₃ and/or WO₃ powder mixed into glass powder. When the mixed powder is placed on the electrodes and then is baked, a certain effect of decreasing the degree of yellowing can be obtained although as compared to the case where MoO₃ and/or WO₃ are/is mixed into the glass composition, the homogeneity may deteriorate and thereby the transmissivity of the dielectric layer may decrease in some cases.

The effect of decreasing the degree of yellowing that is provided by MoO₃ and WO₃ also is effective in the dielectric layer that is formed using a glass composition containing PbO, which has been used conventionally. It, however, is more significant for the dielectric layer formed using a glass composition that is substantially free from lead, i.e. a glass composition that contains 0.1 wt % of lead or less.

The reason is as follows. In order to obtain a glass composition that is free from PbO, which is required conventionally for obtaining a lower softening point, it is necessary for the glass composition to contain an alkali metal oxide or bismuth oxide as an alternative component. Since such components promote the diffusion of Ag or Cu and facilitate the reduction of ions, the degree of yellowing increases.

Next, the reasons for limiting the compositions of the glass composition (A) and glass composition (B) are described below.

In the glass composition (A), SiO₂ has an effect of stabilizing glass, and the content thereof is 15 wt % or less. If the content of SiO₂ exceeds 15 wt %, the softening point increases, which makes it difficult to carry out baking at a predetermined temperature. The content of SiO₂ is more preferably 10 wt % or less. Furthermore, in order to allow fewer air bubbles to remain after baking, it is preferable that the glass have a lower viscosity at the time of the baking. For that purpose, it is preferable that the content of SiO₂ be 1 wt % or less.

The content of the alkali metal oxides (Li₂O, Na₂O, and K₂O) in the glass composition (A) is a trace amount, specifically 0.1 wt % or less, or 0 wt % and therefore the glass composition (A) is substantially free from them. On the other hand, the glass composition (B) may contain the alkali metal oxides. For example, it may contain 0.1 wt % to 10 wt % of at least one selected from Li₂O, Na₂O, and K₂O. Glass compositions that contain such alkali metal oxides tend to allow air bubbles to remain after baking. Hence, in order to keep the viscosity of glass low and thereby to prevent air bubbles from remaining, the content of SiO₂ in the glass composition (B) is 2 wt % or less. Preferably, the alkali metal oxides contained in the glass composition (A) is 0.01 wt % or less.

B₂O₃ is an essential component of the glass composition to be used for the dielectric layer of the PDP according to the present embodiment. The content thereof is 10 to 50 wt %. The B₂O₃ content exceeding 50 wt % results in deteriorated durability of the glass as well as a decreased thermal expansion coefficient and an increased softening point of the glass. This causes difficulty in carrying out the baking at the desired temperature. On the other hand, when the B₂O₃ content is less than 10 wt %, the glass becomes unstable and tends to devitrify. The content of B₂O₃ is more preferably in the range of 15 to 50 wt %.

ZnO is one of the main components of the glass composition to be used for the dielectric layer of the PDP according to the present embodiment. ZnO has an effect of stabilizing glass. The ZnO content is 15 to 50 wt %. When the ZnO content exceeds 50 wt %, glass tends to crystallize and therefore stable glass cannot be obtained. On the other hand, when the ZnO content is less than 15 wt %, glass has a higher softening point and the baking therefore is difficult to carry out at the desired temperature. Furthermore, when the ZnO content is small, the glass tends to devitrify after the baking. Accordingly, in order to obtain stable glass, it is more preferable that the ZnO content be at least 26 wt %. Moreover, in order to reduce the discharge time lag that is a characteristic of a protective layer to be formed on the dielectric layer, the ZnO content is preferably at least 26 wt %, more preferably at least 32 wt %.

Al₂O₃ has an effect of stabilizing glass and the content thereof is 10 wt % or less. The Al₂O₃ content exceeding 10 wt % may cause devitrification of glass and also results in a higher softening point, which causes difficulty in baking glass at the predetermined temperature. Preferably, the Al₂O₃ content is 8 wt % or less but at least 0.01 wt %. When the Al₂O₃ content is at least 0.01 wt %, further stable glass can be obtained.

Bi₂O₃ is one of the main components of the glass composition to be used for the dielectric layer of the PDP according to the present embodiment. Bi₂O₃ has effects of lowering the softening point and increasing the thermal expansion coefficient. The content thereof is 2 to 40 wt %. When the Bi₂O₃ content exceeds 40 wt %, glass tends to crystallize. The Bi₂O₃ content exceeding 30 wt % results in a higher thermal expansion coefficient and also results in an excessively high dielectric constant, which increases the power consumption. On the other hand, the Bi₂O₃ content of less than 2 wt % results in a higher softening point, which causes difficulty in baking glass at the desired temperature. The Bi₂O₃ content is more preferably in the range of 2 to 30 wt %.

The alkaline-earth metal oxides, CaO, SrO, and BaO have effects of improving water resistance, preventing phase separation of glass from occurring, and improving the thermal expansion coefficient relatively, for example. The total of the contents thereof is 5 to 38 wt %. When the total of the contents of CaO, SrO, and BaO exceeds 38 wt %, glass may devitrify and may have an excessively high thermal expansion coefficient. On the other hand, when the total thereof is less than 5 wt %, the above-mentioned effects are difficult to obtain.

Preferably, the total of the contents of ZnO and Bi₂O₃ (i.e. ZnO+Bi₂O₃) is 35 to 65 wt %. In order to produce a dielectric that has a lower softening point and higher transmissivity and does not react with electrodes at a desired temperature that is 600° C. or lower, it is preferable that the total content, (ZnO+Bi₂O₃) be at least 35 wt %. However, when the total content exceeds 65 wt %, a problem arises that glass tends to crystallize.

Furthermore, it is preferable that a value of Bi₂O₃/(B₂O₃+ZnO), which is a ratio between the Bi₂O₃ content and the total of the contents of B₂O₃ and ZnO (i.e. B₂O₃+ZnO), be 0.5 or lower. Bi₂O₃ allows glass to have a higher dielectric constant as compared to B₂O₃ and ZnO. Accordingly, when the above-mentioned range is employed, a dielectric layer with a lower dielectric constant can be formed and thereby the power consumption can be reduced.

In order to prevent the dielectric layer from yellowing, it is preferable that the glass composition (A) be free from the alkali metal oxides (Li₂O, Na₂O, and K₂O). Accordingly, the glass composition (A) is substantially free from the alkali metal oxides. That is, the total of the contents of the alkali metal oxides is 0.1 wt % or less, preferably 0.01 wt % or less.

On the other hand, the glass composition (B) may contain 0.1 to 10 wt % of at least one selected from Li₂O, Na₂O, and K₂O although it is preferable that the alkali metal oxides be not contained in order to prevent the dielectric layer from yellowing as described above. When the content of the alkali metal oxides in the glass composition (B) is at least 0.1 wt %, the softening point can be lowered and various physical properties can be controlled. For instance, since the softening point can be lowered, the content of Bi₂O₃ that has the same effect can be reduced. This allows the relative dielectric constant to decrease. However, it is not preferable that the content of the alkali metal oxides exceed 10 wt % since in that case the thermal expansion coefficient becomes excessively high. Glass containing the alkali metal oxides has a greater tendency to contain air bubbles that remain therein after baking. In the glass composition (B), however, since the content of SiO₂ is 2 wt % or less, the viscosity can be kept lower and thereby air bubbles can be prevented from remaining, even when the alkali metal oxides are contained.

MgO has an effect of stabilizing glass and the content thereof is 5 wt % or less. This is because the MgO content exceeding 5 wt % may cause devitrification during the glass production.

The glass composition (A) and the glass composition (B) contain the above-mentioned components and typically consist only of the above-mentioned components, respectively. They may contain other components as long as the effects of the present invention can be obtained. The total of the contents of other components is preferably 10 wt % or less, more preferably 5 wt % or less. Examples of such other components include those to be added for controlling the softening point and thermal expansion coefficient, stabilizing glass, improving chemical durability, etc., specifically, MgO, Rb₂O, Cs₂O, TiO₂, ZrO₂, La₂O₃, Nb₂O₅, TeO₂, Ag₂O, SnO, CeO₂, CuO, etc.

The glass composition (A) and the glass composition (B) each can be used as the material of a dielectric layer that is suitable for the glass substrate of the PDP. Examples of the common glass substrate to be used for the PDP include soda lime glass that is produced by the float process and is generally readily available window sheet glass, and high distortion point glass that has been developed for PDPs. Such glass generally has a heat resistance up to 600° C. and a thermal expansion coefficient (a linear thermal expansion coefficient) of 75×10⁻⁷ to 85×10⁻⁷/° C.

The dielectric layer of the PDP is formed by applying a glass paste containing a glass composition to a glass substrate and then baking it, for example. It therefore is necessary to carry out the baking at a temperature of 600° C. or lower at which the glass substrate is not softened and does not deform. Furthermore, in order to prevent the glass substrate from warping and the dielectric layer from peeling off and cracking, the glass composition that forms the dielectric layer is required to have a lower thermal expansion coefficient than that of the glass substrate by approximately 0 to 25×10⁻⁷/° C. Moreover, it is not preferable that the dielectric layer have a high dielectric constant since in that case the current that flows through the electrodes increases and thereby the power consumption of the PDP increases.

For this reason, when the dielectric layer of the PDP is formed of a lead-free glass composition that is substantially free from lead, it is preferable that a lead-free glass composition be used that has a composition in the above-mentioned ranges (the glass composition (A) or the glass composition (B)), a softening point of 600° C. or lower, a thermal expansion coefficient of 60 to 85×10⁻⁷/° C., and a relative dielectric constant of 12 or lower. Furthermore, with consideration given to the prevention of peeling off and cracking that occur due to distortion or the like and to the achievement of a yield of at least 90%, the thermal expansion coefficient is more preferably 65×10⁻⁷ to 85×10⁻⁷/° C. Moreover, in order to reduce the power consumption further, it is more preferable that the relative dielectric constant be 11 or lower.

The amount of the glass composition that is contained in the dielectric layer is not particularly limited, as long as the effects of the present invention are obtained. However, it usually is preferable that the amount be at least 50 wt % (for example, at least 80 wt % or at least 90 wt %). In one example, the dielectric layer may be formed substantially of a glass composition alone. The glass components that compose the dielectric layer in the present embodiment are typically the above-mentioned glass composition (A) or glass composition (B), and the glass components that are contained in the dielectric layer do not include lead.

In the PDP of the present embodiment, when the dielectric layer of the front panel of the PDP is formed using the above-mentioned glass composition (A) or glass composition (B), an inorganic filler and an inorganic pigment may be added to improve glass strength and to adjust the thermal expansion coefficient, without impairing the optical characteristics. Examples of the inorganic filler and inorganic pigment include alumina, titanium oxide, zirconia, zircon, cordierite, quartz, etc.

The electrode (the address electrode 10 shown in FIG. 1) formed on the back panel of the PDP may be covered with the above-mentioned glass composition. Similarly in this case, an inorganic filler and an inorganic pigment may be added for the purposes of not only improving the optical characteristics such as the reflection characteristic but also improving the glass strength and adjusting the thermal expansion coefficient. Examples of the inorganic filler and inorganic pigment include alumina, titanium oxide, zirconia, zircon, cordierite, quartz, etc.

The glass composition that is used for a second dielectric layer is described in detail. The second dielectric layer is a layer that is not in contact with the electrodes when the dielectric layer has a two-layer structure as shown in FIG. 2. Preferably, this glass composition to be used for forming the second dielectric layer contains at least one selected from Li₂O, Na₂O, and K₂O for the purposes of lowering the softening point and decreasing the relative dielectric constant. If the second dielectric layer is formed of a glass composition that allows such a lower relative dielectric constant to be obtained, the power consumption of the PDP can be reduced. Two examples (a glass composition (C) and a glass composition (D)) of the glass composition to be used for forming the second dielectric layer are described below.

In the present embodiment, the glass composition (C) that is an example of the glass composition to be used for forming the second dielectric layer contains:

-   0 to 15 wt % SiO₂; -   10 to 50 wt % B₂O₃; -   15 to 50 wt % ZnO; -   0 to 10 wt % Al₂O₃; -   2 to 40 wt % Bi₂O₃; -   0.1 to 10 wt % Li₂O+Na₂O+K₂O; -   0 to 5 wt % MgO; and -   5 to 38 wt % CaO+SrO+BaO.

In the present embodiment, the glass composition (D) that is another example of the glass composition to be used for forming the second dielectric layer contains:

-   0 to 30 wt % SiO₂; -   25 to 80 wt % B₂O₃; -   0 to 50 wt % ZnO; -   0 to 10 wt % Al₂O₃; -   5 to 20 wt % Li₂O+Na₂O+K₂O; -   0 to 5 wt % MgO; and -   0 to 15 wt % CaO+SrO+BaO.

Both the glass composition (C) and the glass composition (D) allow not only a lower softening point but also a lower relative dielectric constant to be obtained. Particularly, the glass composition (D) is substantially free from Bi₂O₃, which is a component to increase the relative dielectric constant, and therefore allows a lower relative dielectric constant to be obtained. Accordingly, when the second dielectric layer is formed using the glass composition (C) or glass composition (D), the dielectric layer is allowed to have a lower dielectric constant and thereby the power consumption of the PDP can be reduced.

<Glass Paste>

The glass composition to be used for the dielectric layer of the PDP according to the present embodiment usually is used in the state of powder. A glass paste is obtained by adding a binder, a solvent, etc., which are used for providing printability, to the powder of the glass composition according to the present embodiment described above. This glass paste is applied to the electrodes formed on the glass substrate and then is baked. Thus a dielectric layer that covers the electrodes can be formed. A dielectric-protecting layer with a predetermined thickness is formed on the dielectric layer using, for example, the electron-beam vapor deposition method. The method of forming the dielectric-protecting layer is not limited to the electron-beam vapor deposition method but may be a sputtering method or an ion plating method.

The glass paste contains glass powder, a solvent, and resin (binder resin). The glass powder is powder of the glass composition to be used for the dielectric layer of the PDP according to the present embodiment. The glass paste also may contain components other than those mentioned above. For example, the glass paste may contain additives according to various purposes. Examples of the additives include a surfactant, a development accelerator, an adhesive auxiliary, an antihalation agent, a preservation stabilizer, an antifoaming agent, an antioxidant, an ultraviolet absorber, pigments, dye, etc.

The resin (the binder) to be contained in the glass paste is not particularly limited as long as it has lower reactivity to low-melting glass powder. From the viewpoints of chemical stability, cost, safety, etc, preferable examples of the resin include cellulose derivatives, such as nitrocellulose, methyl cellulose, ethyl cellulose, and carboxymethyl cellulose, etc., polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl butyral, polyethylene glycol, carbonate-based resin, urethane-based resin, acryl-based resin, melamine-based resin, etc.

The solvent to be contained in the glass paste is not particularly limited as long as it has lower reactivity to the glass powder. From the viewpoints of chemical stability, cost, safety, and compatibility with the binder resin, examples of the solvent include: ethylene glycol monoalkyl ethers such as butyl acetate, 3-ethoxy ethyl propionate, ethylene glycol monomethyl ether, ethylene glycol monoethyl ether, ethylene glycol monopropyl ether, ethylene glycol monobutyl ether, etc.; ethylene glycol monoalkyl ether acetates such as ethylene glycol monomethyl ether acetate, ethylene glycol monoethyl ether acetate, etc.; diethylene glycol dialkyl ethers such as diethylene glycol dimethyl ether, diethylene glycol diethyl ether, diethylene glycol dipropyl ether, diethylene glycol dibutyl ether, etc.; propylene glycol monoalkyl ethers such as propylene glycol monomethyl ether, propylene glycol monoethyl ether, propylene glycol monopropyl ether, propylene glycol monobutyl ether, etc.; propylene glycol dialkyl ethers such as propylene glycol dimethyl ether, propylene glycol diethyl ether, propylene glycol dipropyl ether, propylene glycol dibutyl ether, etc.; propylene glycol alkyl ether acetates such as propylene glycol monomethyl ether acetate, propylene glycol monoethyl ether acetate, propylene glycol monopropyl ether acetate, propylene glycol monobutyl ether acetate, etc.; esters of lactic acids such as methyl lactate, ethyl lactate, butyl lactate, etc., and esters of aliphatic carboxylic acids such as methyl formate, ethyl formate, amyl formate, methyl acetate, ethyl acetate, propyl acetate, isopropyl acetate, isobutyl acetate, amyl acetate, isoamyl acetate, hexyl acetate, (2-ethylhexyl)acetate, methyl propionate, ethyl propionate, butyl propionate, methyl butanoate (methyl butyrate), ethyl butanoate (ethyl butyrate), propyl butanoate (propyl butyrate), isopropyl butanoate (isopropyl butyrate), etc.; carbonates such as ethylene carbonate, propylene carbonate, etc.; alcohols such as terpineol, benzyl alcohol, etc.; aromatic hydrocarbons such as toluene, xylene, etc.; ketones such as methyl ethyl ketone, 2-heptanone, 3-heptanone, 4-heptanone, cyclohexanone, etc.; esters such as ethyl 2-hydroxypropionate, 2-hydroxy-2-methyl ethyl propionate, ethoxyethyl acetate, hydroxyethyl acetate, 2-hydroxy-3-methyl methyl butyrate, methyl 3-methoxypropionate, ethyl 3-methoxypropionate, 3-methoxybutyl acetate, 3-methyl-3-methoxybutyl acetate, butyl carbitol acetate, 3-methyl-3-methoxybutyl propionate, 3-methyl-3-methoxybutyl butyrate, 2,2,4-trimethyl-1,3-pentanediol monoisobutylate methyl acetoacetate, ethyl acetoacetate, methyl pyruvate, ethyl pyruvate, ethyl benzoate, benzyl acetate, etc.; and amide-based solvents such as N-methylpyrrolidone, NN-dimethylformamide, N-methylformamide, N,N-dimethylacetamide, etc. These solvents can be used individually or two or more of them can be used in combination.

The content of the solvent in the glass paste is adjusted in the range that allows the plasticity or fluidity (viscosity) of the paste to be suitable for the forming process or coating process.

This glass paste also can be used to form the dielectric layer that covers the electrodes formed on the back panel of the PDP.

<PDP Production Method>

An example of the method of producing a PDP is described below.

A method of producing a PDP according to the present embodiment includes forming a dielectric layer that covers electrodes by: placing a glass paste containing a glass composition for covering electrodes on a substrate on which the electrodes have been formed; and baking the glass paste. The glass composition to be used herein can be the glass composition (A) or glass composition (B) described above. Here, an example is described in which the above-mentioned process is employed in forming a dielectric layer that covers display electrodes formed on a front panel.

First, a method of producing the front panel is described.

A plurality of transparent electrodes each are formed on one principal plane of a flat front glass substrate in the shape of a stripe. Next, a silver paste is applied onto the transparent electrodes. Thereafter, the whole front glass substrate is heated and thereby the silver paste is baked to form bus electrodes. Thus, the display electrodes are formed.

Subsequently, the glass paste that contains the glass composition to be used for the dielectric layer of the PDP according to the present embodiment is applied to the above-mentioned principal plane of the front glass substrate by the blade coater method so as to cover the display electrodes. Thereafter, the whole front glass substrate is kept at 90° C. for 30 minutes and thereby the glass paste is dried, which then is baked at a temperature in the range of 560 to 590° C. for 10 minutes. Thus, the dielectric layer is formed.

The glass to be used herein for the dielectric layer is the glass composition (A) or glass composition (B) described above.

Next, a film of magnesium oxide (MgO) is formed on the dielectric layer by the electron-beam vapor deposition method, which then is baked to form a dielectric-protecting layer.

Thus, the front panel is produced.

The method of producing a PDP whose dielectric layer has a two-layer structure as shown in FIG. 2 is as follows. Like the case described above, a glass paste that contains a glass composition to be used for a first dielectric layer is applied to cover the display electrodes and then is dried and baked. Thereafter, a glass paste that contains a glass composition to be used for a second dielectric layer is applied to cover the first dielectric layer formed as described above and then is dried and baked. Thus the second dielectric layer is formed.

Next, a method of producing a back panel is described.

A silver paste is applied to one principal plane of a flat back glass substrate to form a plurality of stripes. Thereafter, the whole back glass substrate is heated and thereby the silver paste is baked. Thus, address electrodes are formed.

Subsequently, a glass paste is applied between adjacent address electrodes. The whole back glass substrate then is heated and thereby the glass paste is baked. Thus, barrier ribs are formed.

Next, phosphor ink of each color, R, G, or B is applied between adjacent barrier ribs. The back glass substrate then is heated to approximately 500° C. and thereby the above-mentioned phosphor ink is baked and a resin component (a binder) and the like contained in the phosphor ink are removed. Thus, phosphor layers are formed.

Next, the front panel and the back panel are bonded to each other using sealing glass. Thereafter, the internal spaces thus sealed are evacuated to a high vacuum and then are charged with rare gas.

Thus, the PDP is obtained. The PDP and the method of producing it that are described above are examples and the present invention is not limited thereto.

EXAMPLES

Hereafter, the present invention is described further in detail using examples.

<Production and Evaluation of Glass>

Glass compositions for covering electrodes of the present invention and glass compositions of comparative examples were produced. The glass compositions (Samples 1 to 36) of the examples that are used for dielectric layers of the PDP of the present invention are indicated in Tables 1 to 4 while the glass compositions (Sample 101 to 121) of the comparative examples are indicated in Tables 5 to 7. In the tables, subscripts are omitted for convenience, e.g. “SiO₂” is indicated as “SiO2”. TABLE 1 Glass Composition/No. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 SiO2 15.0 9.7 1.0 14.9 9.3 12.0 1.6 1.5 B2O3 27.3 29.5 30.9 10.0 15.0 50.0 24.2 30.6 23.4 26.9 ZnO 27.0 26.8 26.0 33.6 35.7 26.0 15.0 31.8 39.7 50.0 Al2O3 0.3 2.7 1.7 0.7 3.2 0.7 5.1 0.8 1.1 1.3 Bi2O3 23.2 16.0 11.0 28.3 19.7 9.5 21.1 13.7 12.4 8.1 MgO 1.2 CaO 5.5 16.9 5.4 1.3 5.5 2.6 SrO 1.2 4.1 2.2 BaO 6.4 5.6 10.5 5.6 12.5 13.7 21.0 19.7 10.1 8.4 Li2O Na2O 1.3 K2O MoO3 0.8 3.0 2.0 0.1 0.6 0.5 2.0 0.5 WO3 0.3 0.5 1.0 3.0 Glass 492 493 485 491 492 469 491 477 480 473 Transition Point(° C.) Softening 593 589 581 590 588 572 598 574 576 569 Point(° C.) Thermal 64 64 70 74 72 65 72 71 72 68 Expansion Coefficient (×10⁻⁷/° C.) Relative 10.4 11.0 9.7 10.9 10.3 8.9 9.9 10.0 10.0 9.8 Dielectric Constant Glass Stability

◯

Overall ◯ ◯

◯

◯

Evaluation a* −2.2 −3.0 −2.5 −2.0 −1.9 −3.0 −2.8 −2.2 −1.7 −2.5 b* 3.1 2.2 2.4 3.5 3.2 4.5 2.5 2.9 1.8 3.9

TABLE 2 Glass Composition/No. 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 SiO2 10.0 1.2 1.6 1.1 3.8 3.5 4.0 5.6 2.0 B2O3 25.2 31.1 24.3 24.2 35.4 27.5 28.0 15.5 18.6 30.6 ZnO 24.0 26.6 37.9 39.0 36.3 26.0 27.5 30.1 38.8 33.6 Al2O3 10.0 8.0 0.1 0.6 2.2 4.4 0.8 0.8 0.7 Bi2O3 25.3 24.3 15.7 13.0 2.0 18.8 30.0 40.0 23.1 19.4 MgO 0.3 0.5 CaO 1.9 3.3 7.2 6.2 3.8 4.6 3.1 8.1 12.0 5.2 SrO 5.2 6.8 3.0 1.8 BaO 3.1 6.1 7.9 7.6 16.8 16.4 1.5 2.5 Li2O 2.0 Na2O 1.3 1.5 K2O MoO3 0.3 0.3 1.0 0.2 0.5 0.8 2.0 WO3 0.5 0.3 0.5 0.7 1.0 Glass 490 475 472 479 490 488 461 470 489 472 Transition Point(° C.) Softening 595 582 571 580 592 590 566 565 579 570 Point(° C.) Thermal 64 65 72 73 70 72 72 85 80 68 Expansion Coefficient (×10⁻⁷/° C.) Relative 10.7 10.3 10.1 10.0 8.2 10.2 10.8 12.0 11.0 10.4 Dielectric Constant Glass Stability ◯

◯

Overall ◯

◯

◯

Evaluation a* −2.5 −1.9 −2.0 −1.7 −1.8 −2.2 −2.0 −2.1 −1.8 −2.2 b* 2.9 2.0 2.2 2.4 2.0 2.5 2.3 2.5 2.0 2.4

TABLE 3 Glass Composition/No. 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 SiO2 2.7 2.5 0.8 3.4 0.8 3.2 0.3 1.4 0.6 4.5 B2O3 32.1 37.7 29.0 36.0 29.5 33.7 26.7 32.8 28.4 17.5 ZnO 31.1 27.6 27.1 28.6 26.4 32.6 30.2 32.1 27.8 35.0 Al2O3 0.3 0.3 0.6 0.7 0.8 0.5 0.5 1.5 1.0 Bi2O3 23.0 26.4 3.8 25.8 3.8 24.5 3.6 26.7 3.5 29.9 MgO 5.0 CaO 4.3 5.0 38.0 2.5 10.8 10.7 SrO 5.0 38.0 0.9 4.9 BaO 1.0 5.0 38.0 1.6 22.3 Li2O 0.1 Na2O K2O MoO3 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 1.0 WO3 0.7 0.7 0.7 0.7 1.3 Glass 469 470 487 467 491 465 492 461 492 480 Transition Point(° C.) Softening 572 573 585 570 590 568 592 562 590 569 Point(° C.) Thermal 62 64 83 63 84 64 80 63 81 80 Expansion Coefficient (×10⁻⁷/° C.) Relative 10.5 10.7 8.6 10.8 9.1 10.8 9.6 10.8 9.4 10.8 Dielectric Constant Glass Stability

◯

◯

◯

◯

Overall ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ Evaluation a* −2.3 −2.4 −2.4 −2.2 −2.6 −2.3 −2.5 −2.2 −2.4 −2.0 b* 2.8 2.7 3.0 2.8 3.3 2.8 3.1 2.7 3.0 3.1

TABLE 4 Glass Composition/No. 31 32 33 34 35 36 SiO2 1.9 4.5 1.9 4.5 1.9 1.9 B2O3 19.0 17.5 19.0 17.5 19.0 19.0 ZnO 31.2 35.0 31.2 35.0 31.2 31.2 Al2O3 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 Bi2O3 25.9 29.9 25.9 29.9 25.9 25.9 MgO CaO 10.0 10.7 10.0 10.7 10.0 10.0 SrO BaO Li2O 10.0 2.0 Na2O 0.1 10.0 3.0 K2O 0.1 10.0 5.0 MoO3 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 WO3 1.3 1.3 Glass 470 480 472 481 470 471 Transition Point(° C.) Softening 560 570 561 570 567 565 Point(° C.) Thermal 84 80 85 81 85 84 Expansion Coefficient (×10⁻⁷/° C.) Relative 10.9 11.0 10.8 11.0 10.9 10.8 Dielectric Constant Glass Stability

Overall

◯

◯

Evaluation a* −2.5 −1.8 −2.2 −2.0 −2.3 −2.4 b* 3.9 3.2 4.1 2.9 3.8 3.9

TABLE 5 Glass Composition/No. 101 102 103 104 105 106 107 108 SiO2 15.1 14.9 12.1 1.3 1.9 1.9 0.1 B2O3 22.4 9.8 50.2 24.4 28.4 32.2 36.3 21.1 ZnO 27.3 32.8 27.1 14.0 50.2 26.0 33.3 26.0 Al2O3 0.5 2.5 0.1 5.3 2.2 10.2 4.4 1.0 Bi2O3 29.3 29.2 8.3 18.3 6.6 19.7 1.7 40.9 MgO CaO 4.2 4.3 2.1 4.2 6.5 SrO 0.4 2.6 1.6 2.9 BaO 5.1 5.9 14.0 21.2 4.1 6.0 15.0 4.1 Li2O 1.2 Na2O K2O 1.9 MoO3 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.6 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 WO3 1.0 Glass 498 — 481 493 — 499 506 — Transition Point(° C.) Softening 602 — 578 605 — 601 604 — Point(° C.) Thermal 60 — 59 73 — 62 65 — Expansion Coefficient (×10⁻⁷/° C.) Relative 10.8 — 8.6 11.0 — 10.1 7.9 — Dielectric Constant Glass Stability ◯ X ◯ Δ X ◯ ◯ X Overall Δ X Δ X X Δ Δ X Evaluation

TABLE 6 Glass Composition/No. 109 110 111 112 113 114 115 116 117 118 SiO2 2.8 2.9 0.8 2.8 0.3 2.9 0.3 1.1 0.3 5.6 B2O3 27.5 29.3 28.8 33.4 29.9 34.3 25.9 34.4 27.1 17.0 ZnO 30.4 32.4 26.5 29.0 26.2 28.5 32.0 27.8 30.1 31.2 Al2O3 0.5 0.6 1.3 0.8 1.1 1.1 0.9 1.6 0.7 0.9 Bi2O3 27.5 29.7 3.8 29.0 4.0 28.1 2.2 30.0 3.2 25.5 MgO 6.0 CaO 5.0 4.8 38.5 1.8 15.0 8.0 SrO 4.7 38.2 1.0 9.8 BaO 4.8 38.4 2.0 13.5 Li2O 11.0 Na2O K2O MoO3 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.8 WO3 Glass — 468 — 462 — 458 496 462 — 473 Transition Point(° C.) Softening — 564 — 561 — 560 601 558 — 571 Point(° C.) Thermal — 59 — 58 — 58 81 59 — 86 Expansion Coefficient (×10⁻⁷/° C.) Relative — 10.8 — 10.6 — 10.7 10.3 10.7 — 10.0 Dielectric Constant Glass Stability X ◯ X ◯ X ◯ Δ ◯ X ◯ Overall X Δ X Δ X Δ X Δ X Δ Evaluation

TABLE 7 Glass Composition/ No. 119 120 121 SiO2 5.6 5.6 5.6 B2O3 17.0 17.0 17.0 ZnO 31.2 31.2 31.2 Al2O3 0.9 0.9 0.9 Bi2O3 25.5 25.5 25.5 MgO CaO 8.0 8.0 8.0 SrO BaO Li2O 3.0 Na2O 11.0 3.0 K2O 11.0 5.0 MoO3 0.8 0.8 0.8 WO3 Glass 473 472 473 Transition Point(° C.) Softening 569 570 569 Point(° C.) Thermal 86 87 87 Expansion Coefficient (×10⁻⁷/° C.) Relative 10.1 10.0 10.0 Dielectric Constant Glass Stability ◯ ◯ ◯ Overall Δ Δ Δ Evaluation

The percentages of the compositions indicated in each table are weight percentages (wt %). Raw materials were mixed together so that the compositions indicated in Tables 1 to 7 were obtained. The raw materials thus mixed together were melted in an electric furnace with a temperature of 1100 to 1200° C. for one hour using a platinum crucible. Thereafter, the molten glass thus obtained was cooled rapidly by being pressed with a brass plate and then glass cullet was produced.

Evaluation of Glass

The softening point of each glass was measured with a macro differential thermal analyzer. Then the value of the second heat absorption peak was employed. The glass transition point and the thermal expansion coefficient were measured with a thermomechanical analyzer with respect to a rod having a size of 4 mm×4 mm×20 mm that was formed from glass cullet that had been remelted. The relative dielectric constant was measured with a LCR meter at a frequency of 1 MHz with respect to a plate having a size of 50 mm×50 mm×3 mm (thickness). The plate was formed from the glass cullet that had been remelted, and had electrodes that had been vapor-deposited on the surface thereof. The glass stability was evaluated through the measurement of variations with a differential thermal analyzer and observation of the presence of crystals with an optical microscope.

Tables 1 to 7 show the evaluation results and overall evaluations. The definitions of “{circle around (⊙)}”, “◯”, “Δ”, and “x” employed to evaluate the glass stability are as follows:

{circle around (⊙)}: the composition vitrified, no variations that accompany crystallization were observed by differential thermal analysis, and no crystals were observed with the optical microscope;

◯: the composition vitrified, and variations that accompany crystallization were observed by the differential thermal analysis but no crystals were observed with the optical microscope;

Δ: the composition vitrified, but variations in enthalpy were observed in the range of higher temperatures than the softening point, and no diffraction peaks generated according to crystals were observed by the X-ray diffraction method but crystals were observed with the optical microscope; and

x: the composition did not vitrify during the glass production.

In Tables 1 to 7, the overall evaluation was made comprehensively with target criteria of a softening point of lower than 600° C., preferably lower than 595° C., a relative dielectric constant of 12 or lower, preferably 11 or lower, and a thermal expansion coefficient in the range of 60×10⁻⁷ to 85×10⁻⁷/C. °, preferably in the range of 65×10⁻⁷ to 85×10⁻⁷/C. ° and further in consideration of stability of the glass to be formed of the compositions concerned.

The definitions of “{circle around (⊙)}”, “◯”, “Δ”, and “x” employed for the overall evaluation are as follows:

{circle around (⊙)}: the composition allowed glass to be stable, respective values indicating physical properties were within the ranges of the preferable target values, and the respective physical properties were in balance;

◯: the composition allowed glass to be stable, and respective values indicating physical properties were within the ranges of the target values, but at least one of the values indicating the physical properties was outside the range of the preferable target values;

Δ: the composition allowed glass to be stable, but at least one of the values indicating the physical properties was outside the range of the target values; and

x: the composition did not vitrify and therefore was not available as a glass material.

As is apparent from Tables 1 to 4, each of Samples 1 to 36 of the examples had a thermal expansion coefficient of 60 to 85×10⁻⁷/C. ° in the temperature range of 30 to 300 C. °, a softening point of 600 C. ° or lower, and a relative dielectric constant of 12 or lower, and allowed glass to have excellent stability.

On the other hand, the glasses of Samples 101 to 121 according to the comparative examples shown in Tables 5 to 7 had problems in that the relative dielectric constant was higher than those of the respective samples of the examples, the thermal expansion coefficient was not within the target range, and glass was unstable. Accordingly, it was proved that each of the glasses of the comparative examples were not useful as a material to be used for the dielectric layer covering electrodes.

With respect to the case of using each glass composition of Samples 1 to 36 having suitable physical properties for a material to be used for the dielectric layer, the coloring condition was determined using a color difference meter. Glass powder and a glass paste were produced by the same methods as in the case of producing a PDP of this example to be described later. This glass paste was applied onto a glass substrate with an electrode pattern formed thereon, and then was baked, which was used as a test piece. The glass substrate used herein was a substrate formed of flat soda lime glass with a thickness of approximately 2.8 mm. The electrode pattern was produced as follows. A material of ITO (transparent electrodes) was applied onto the glass substrate in a predetermined pattern and then was dried. Subsequently, a silver paste that was a mixture of silver powder and an organic vehicle was applied in the form of a plurality of lines. Thereafter, the whole substrate was heated and thereby the silver paste was baked. Thus, the electrode pattern was produced. The application of the glass paste onto the substrate with the electrodes formed as described above was carried out by the blade coater method. Thereafter, this substrate was kept at 90 C. ° for 30 minutes, so that the glass paste was dried. This then was baked at a temperature of 570 C. ° for 10 minutes. Thus, a dielectric layer was formed. Then, reflected colors were measured using the color difference meter on the back side (the side with no electrodes) of the substrate with the dielectric layer formed as described above. The measurement results are indicated in Tables 1 to 4.

In Tables 1 to 4, “a*” and “b*” are based on the L*a*b* color system. The value of “a*” that increases in the plus direction denotes stronger red, while the value of “a*” that increases in the minus direction denotes stronger green. On the other hand, the value of b* that increases in the plus direction denotes stronger yellow, while the value of “b*” that increases in the minus direction denotes stronger blue. Generally, when the a* value is in the range of −5 to +5 and the b* value also is in the range of −5 to +5, no coloring of the panels is observed. Especially, with respect to yellowing, since the magnitude of the b* value has an effect thereon (in the case of stronger yellowing, the b* value increases in the plus direction), it is preferable that the PDP have a b* value in the range of −5 to +5.

As shown in Tables 1 to 4, with respect to Samples 1 to 36 that are provided with suitable physical properties for the material to be used for the dielectric layer, it was proved that the yellowing problem did not arise.

<Production and Evaluation of PDP>

The production of PDPs and the results of evaluation thereof are described below.

Production of Glass Powder

In order to examine the effect of decreasing the degree of yellowing that is provided through the addition of MoO₃ and/or WO₃, Samples 51 to 67 of glass compositions indicated in Tables 8 and 9 were prepared, and PDPs with dielectric layers formed using the glass compositions, respectively, were produced. Then each PDP was evaluated. TABLE 8 Glass Composition/No. 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 SiO2 3.10 3.10 3.10 3.09 3.07 3.01 2.98 2.95 B2O3 17.50 17.49 17.48 17.45 17.33 16.98 16.80 16.63 ZnO 35.00 34.98 34.97 34.89 34.64 33.94 33.60 33.24 Al2O3 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.49 0.49 0.48 0.48 Bi2O3 31.40 31.39 31.37 31.31 31.09 30.45 30.14 29.82 CaO 12.50 12.49 12.48 12.46 12.38 12.13 12.00 11.88 MoO3 0.05 0.10 0.30 1.00 3.00 4.00 5.00 WO3 Glass 472 472 472 473 474 476 479 479 Transition Point(° C.) Softening 569 569 570 570 572 574 577 578 Point(° C.) Thermal 82 82 82 82 82 83 83 83 Expansion Coefficient (×10⁻⁷/° C.) Relative 11.8 11.7 11.7 11.8 11.8 11.9 11.9 11.9 Dielectric Constant Glass Stability

◯ Overall ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ X Evaluation a* −2.1 −2.1 −2.1 −2.2 −2.2 −2.2 −2.2 — b* 6.1 6.0 4.9 4.1 3.0 2.4 2.2 —

TABLE 9 Glass Composition/No. 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 SiO2 3.10 3.10 3.09 3.07 3.01 2.98 2.95 2.91 2.85 B2O3 17.49 17.48 17.45 17.33 16.98 16.80 16.63 16.45 16.10 ZnO 34.98 34.97 34.89 34.64 33.94 33.60 33.24 32.90 32.20 Al2O3 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.49 0.49 0.48 0.48 0.47 0.46 Bi2O3 31.39 31.37 31.31 31.09 30.45 30.14 29.82 29.52 28.89 CaO 12.49 12.48 12.46 12.38 12.13 12.00 11.88 11.75 11.50 MoO3 3.00 4.00 WO3 0.05 0.10 0.30 1.00 3.00 4.00 5.00 3.00 4.00 Glass Transition 472 472 472 474 477 478 480 480 482 Point(° C.) Softening 569 569 570 571 573 575 577 581 584 Point(° C.) Thermal 82 82 82 82 83 82 83 83 84 Expansion Coefficient (×10⁻⁷/° C.) Relative 11.7 11.8 11.8 11.8 11.8 11.9 11.9 12.0 12.0 Dielectric Constant Glass Stability

◯

Overall ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ X ◯ ◯ Evaluation a* −2.1 −2.1 −2.1 −2.2 −2.2 −2.3 — −2.4 −2.4 b* 6.1 5.0 4.5 3.8 2.9 2.7 — 2.0 1.8

Raw materials were mixed together so that the respective compositions indicated in the tables were obtained. Then the raw materials thus mixed together were melted in an electric furnace with a temperature of 1100 to 1200 C. ° for one hour using a platinum crucible. Thereafter, glass cullet was produced by a twin-roller method and then was crushed with a ball mill. Thus powder thereof was prepared.

The respective glass powders thus prepared had an average particle diameter of 1.5 to 3.5 μm.

Preparation of Glass Paste

Ethyl cellulose, which was used as resin, and alpha-terpineol, which was used as a solvent, were mixed together to have a weight ratio of 5:30, which then was stirred. Thus a solution containing an organic component was prepared. Subsequently, this solution and each of the glass powders indicated in Tables 8 and 9 were mixed together at a weight ratio of 65:35, which then was mixed well and dispersed with three rollers. Thus glass pastes were prepared.

Production of PDP

A material of ITO (transparent electrodes) was applied in a predetermined pattern onto the surface of a front glass substrate formed of flat soda lime glass with a thickness of approximately 2.8 mm and then was dried. Subsequently, a silver paste that was a mixture of silver powder and an organic vehicle was applied in the form of a plurality of lines. Thereafter, this front glass substrate was heated and thereby the silver paste was baked. Thus display electrodes were formed.

The above-mentioned glass paste was applied to the front glass panel on which the display electrodes had been formed, by the blade coater method. Thereafter, the front glass substrate was kept at 90 C. ° for 30 minutes, so that the glass paste was dried. This then was baked at a temperature of 570 C. ° for 10 minutes. Thus, a dielectric layer was formed.

Furthermore, magnesium oxide (MgO) was deposited on the dielectric layer by the electron-beam vapor deposition method and then was baked. Thus, a protective layer was formed.

On the other hand, the back panel was produced by the following method. First, address electrodes containing silver as the main component were formed into strips on a back glass substrate made of soda lime glass by screen printing. Subsequently, a dielectric layer was formed. Next, barrier ribs were formed on the dielectric layer between adjacent address electrodes. The barrier ribs were formed through a repetition of the screen printing and baking.

Next, phosphor pastes of red (R), green (G), and blue (B) were applied to the side surfaces of the barrier ribs and the surface of the dielectric layer that was exposed between the barrier ribs, and then were dried and baked. Thus phosphor layers were produced.

The front panel and the back panel thus produced were bonded to each other with sealing glass. Thereafter, the discharge spaces were evacuated to a high vacuum (approximately 1×10⁻⁴ Pa) and then were charged with Ne—Xe-based discharge gas so as to have a predetermined pressure. Thus, a PDP was produced.

Evaluation of PDP

With respect to the display surface side of each PDP produced as described above, the coloring condition was determined using the color difference meter. Tables 8 and 9 indicate the measurement results with respect to the PDPs produced using the glass compositions indicated therein for dielectric layers, respectively. In the tables, “a*” and “b*” used therein denote the same meanings as those indicated in Tables 1 to 4. Since yellowing is affected by the magnitude of the b* value, it is preferable that the PDPs each have a b* value in the range of −5 to +5.

In Sample 51 as well as Samples 52 and 59, the b* value exceeded 5 and yellowing was observed. Sample 51 contained neither MoO₃ nor WO₃. In Samples 52 and 59, either MoO₃ or WO₃ was contained but the content thereof was 0.05 wt %. Furthermore, in Samples 58 and 65 in which either MoO₃ or WO₃ was contained but the content thereof was 5 wt %, glass became clouded and therefore the coloring thereof was not able to be measured. On the other hand, in Samples 53 to 57 as well as 60 to 64 in which either MoO₃ or WO₃ was contained and the content thereof was 0.1 wt % to 4 wt %, the b* value was 5 or smaller and thus it was proved that yellowing was prevented from occurring. Moreover, in each of Samples 66 and 67 that contained both MoO₃ and WO₃, the b* value was smaller than those of other samples and thus it was proved that they had a higher effect of preventing yellowing from occurring as compared to the cases where only one of them was contained.

FIG. 4 shows the relationship between the content of MoO₃ or WO₃ and the measurement result of the b* value. As can be seen from the results, the b* value decreases with an increase in content of MoO₃ or WO₃ and becomes +5 or smaller, with the content of MoO₃ or WO₃ being at least 0.1 wt %. Thus it was proved that the yellowing problem was alleviated.

Furthermore, with respect to the panels in which the content of MoO₃ or WO₃ was at least 0.1 wt % and the b* value was lower, the dielectric breakdown of the dielectrics did not occur even when the PDPs were operated.

The examples of the PDP described above each are an example whose dielectric layer is formed of one layer. However, the same evaluation results were obtained even when the dielectric layer described above was formed to have a two-layer structure. Examples of the compositions of glass compositions (the glass composition (C) and glass composition (D)) to be used for the second dielectric layer in this case are indicated in Table 10. TABLE 10 Example of Example of Glass Glass Composition Glass Composition Composition (C) (D) SiO2 11.10 11.80 B2O3 22.80 36.40 ZnO 17.50 37.20 Al2O3 4.50 1.60 Bi2O3 25.00 BaO 16.80 Li2O 2.30 K2O 13.00

A glass composition for covering electrodes of the present invention is applicable to a dielectric layer for covering display electrodes and address electrodes of a plasma display panel, for example. This makes it possible to obtain a highly reliable plasma display panel in which yellowing and dielectric breakdown are prevented from occurring. 

1. A glass composition for covering electrodes, wherein the glass composition contains: 0 to 15 wt % SiO₂; 10 to 50 wt % B₂O₃; 15 to 50 wt % ZnO; 0 to 10 wt % Al₂O₃; 2 to 40 wt % Bi₂O₃; 0 to 5 wt % MgO; 5 to 38 wt % CaO+SrO+BaO; 0 to 0.1 wt % Li₂O+Na₂O+K₂O; 0 to 4 wt % MoO₃; and 0 to 4 wt % WO₃, and the total of the contents of MoO₃ and WO₃ is in a range of 0.1 to 8 wt %.
 2. A glass composition for covering electrodes, wherein the glass composition contains: 0 to 2 wt % SiO₂; 10 to 50 wt % B₂O₃; 15 to 50 wt % ZnO; 0 to 10 wt % Al₂O₃; 2 to 40 wt % Bi₂O₃; 0 to 5 wt % MgO; 5 to 38 wt % CaO+SrO+BaO; 0 to 4 wt % MoO₃; and 0 to 4 wt % WO₃, and the total of the contents of MoO₃ and WO₃ is in a range of 0.1 to 8 wt %.
 3. The glass composition for covering electrodes according to claim 2, wherein the glass composition further contains at least one selected from the group consisting of Li₂O, Na₂O, and K₂O, and the total of the contents of Li₂O, Na₂O, and K₂O that are contained in the glass composition is 0.1 to 10 wt %.
 4. The glass composition for covering electrodes according to claim 1, wherein the content of lead in the glass composition is 0.1 wt % or less.
 5. A glass paste to be used for covering electrodes, wherein the glass paste contains a glass composition for covering electrodes according to claim 1, a binder resin, and a solvent.
 6. The glass composition for covering electrodes according to claim 2, wherein the content of lead in the glass composition is 0.1 wt % or less.
 7. A glass paste to be used for covering electrodes, wherein the glass paste contains a glass composition for covering electrodes according to claim 2, a binder resin, and a solvent. 